West Kelowna firefighters called to two fires within a half hour

It was a busy morning for West Kelowna firefighters as they responded to two separate fires within a half hour of each other.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund says the first call came in just after 9:00 am.

“Crews were called to an industrial site on Dominion Road this morning for a report of what was initially a car fire but turned out to be a gasoline spill that subsequently ignited and caused an explosion.”

Firefighters supressed the fire and provided treatment to one person, who was taken to hospital. The extent of their injuries has not been revealed.

Brolund says a fire investigator remains on scene with RCMP and Worksafe BC to determine what happened.

The second fire, a half hour later, was a minor deck fire called in by a neighbor who saw smoke coming out of the back of a home on Pettman Road.

“Our crews arrived on scene and found that the neighbor had been working to put out a fire that was on the deck,” said Brolund “the fire was very small, thankfully the work of the neighbor put out the fire.”

The cause of the deck fire has not yet been determined.

Brolund says it serves as a good reminder to phone 9-1-1 if you see smoke. He also says residents should look around their home to see if there is anything hanging or lying around that may cause a fire to grow or spread.